Hugo Chavez's brother talks of armed struggle

by Christopher Toothaker - Jun. 27, 2011 12:00 AMAssociated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela - One of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's brothers said Sunday that backers of the hospitalized leftist leader should not rule out armed struggle in the future, though they prefer to maintain power at the ballot box.

Adan Chavez's statement came as speculation mounted about the health of the president, who has been convalescing at an undisclosed location in Cuba after reportedly undergoing emergency surgery 16 days ago.

Chavez's older brother said Venezuela's ruling party wants to retain power by defeating foes in elections. But he told government supporters that they should be ready to take up arms if necessary.

"As authentic revolutionaries, we cannot forget other forms of fighting," he said during a prayer meeting for the health of his 56-year-old brother in the leader's home state of Barinas.

Adan Chavez is a mild-mannered former university physics professor who has a close relationship with the president. He did not explain why it might be necessary for the president's backers to consider the possibility of guerrilla warfare in the future.